Introducing solid to Your baby
As a first time mother, it is always exciting to see your baby growing up from one phase to another. As your baby gets older, He need to start on solid food so he can get enough iron and other essential nutrients for growth and development. It is interesting to know that, for about the first six months of life, our baby uses iron stored in his body from when he was in the womb. He also gets some iron from breastmilk/formula milk that we fed.
When is the right time to start on solid?
I understand that we always get excited and cant wait to start our baby on solid. I always get adrenaline rush whenever I shop for Lohit's menu. We just cant wait to give them the experience of new tastes and textures from a range of foods and to watch their reaction when they experience different arrays of taste.
However please don't get carried away with your excitement to start solid. Babies digestive tract, especially below 4 months old is still developing and is not mature enough. If solids are started before a baby’s system is ready to handle them, they are poorly digested and may cause unpleasant reactions (digestive upset, gas, constipation, etc.)
Health experts and breastfeeding experts agree that it’s best to wait until your baby is around six months old before offering solid foods. The American Academy of Peadiatrics, and WHO and many other health organizations recommend that babies be exclusively breastfed (no cereal, juice or other foods) for the first 6 months of life.
It is also important to watch baby's developmental readiness signs for solids.
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| Avocado, Apple and kiwi puree |
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| Sweet potato rice puree |
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| Pear rice puree |
What solid is great for the first month?
Since babies'digestive system is not fully matured, always start with soft puree. It can be rice, fruit or vegetable puree. I started off with rice puree mixed with breast milk. I also followed with 4 days rule. For mummies who are not clear about 4 days rule, you can use the picture below as guideline.
The “4 Day Wait Rule” is a really simple way to check for possible reactions to new foods such as food sensitivities or food allergies. Remember that in addition to possible allergic reactions, foods can also cause digestive troubles like tummy pains, painful gas or even poop troubles. Introduce new foods, one food at a time and at a space of 4 days apart. but to be very honest, i only waited 3 days apart before testing new food except for egg, chicken,prawn or fish.I would recommend mummies to follow four days rule.
Preparing homecooked solid food is convinient and cost savvy. its more nutritious, hygienic, and is preservative free(no added sugar, salt, MSG)o h yea, let me remind you mommies, no sugar and salt for baby. However you are free to be creative with the flavours;- add chicken bone broth, celery for salt, corn for sweetness.
How much purees should my Baby eat?
For starting 1 to 3 spoonful of puree is more than enough. they will slowly pick up with the number of spoon. do not force them to eat. If they refuse to eat, try to feed them for dinner. Your baby is learning to eat and enjoy new textures, rather than having a full meal. Gradually increase the amount of food and the frequency of feeding to satisfy your baby’s hunger and interest.
How to start feeding baby?
I noticed when i Nurse Lohit before offering purees he seems to be more interested in new food. I assume he tend to show more interest in new foods if he is not ravenously hungry. At this age, other foods are more for experimentation, play and fun. i usually will nurse him again after his meal time.Offer food when the baby is in the mood to learn. This could be during a quiet time, or it could be at a social time when the rest of the family is also eating
Never leave a baby or young child alone with food in case they begin to choke. Never give your baby small, hard foods like peanuts or popcorn. Foods that are circular in shape such as carrots or grapes should be sliced and then halved or quartered.
Use only single ingredients and wait about a week between introducing each new food. Then, if something upsets your baby, you will know exactly what it was. Some signs of a possible allergic reaction include a rash, runny nose, or sore bottom. If you see any of these signs, wait a week and try the food again. If you get the same reaction, hold off until your baby is a year old and try again.
If there is a family history of food allergy, consult your doctor or allergist for advice on when to start your baby on foods that tend to be more allergenic as it may differ from recommendations for babies without allergic history. These foods include citrus fruits (including oranges, lemons, and grapefruit) kiwi, strawberries, peanuts and peanut butter, eggs, soy products (including soy milk and tofu), and cow’s milk (including cheeses, yogurt, and ice cream).
As soon as your little one understands the concept of eating and is excited by and interested in mealtime (this usually happens between 6 and 9 months), start her on a routine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Even if she isn't hungry at times, she'll get used to the idea of eating on a schedule.
And get used to messes! Your baby will likely fling food everywhere, especially if you're practicing baby-led weaning. This is common and doesn't necessarily indicate a dislike.
Foods you should Never feed your baby
Honey: It can cause botulism, a serious illness, if introduced too early.
Cow's Milk: Stick with breast milk and formula as a primary beverage until your baby is a year old. It's fine to use cow's milk in cooking or baking, though.
Nuts, Popcorn, Whole Grapes, and Globs of Nut Butter: These foods are choking hazards.
Good luck mummies!
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